Mental Status Examination

Question 1

Used to evaluate the client’s mental functioning

Answer 1

Mental Status Exam

Question 2

Ask the client to interpret a proverb or identify a theme

-measure intelligence with a familiar phrase

Answer 2

Abstract reasoning

Question 3

How does the client look? Well dressed? Well groomed?

Answer 3

Appearance

Question 4

Is the client cooperative? Resistant? Fearful?

Answer 4

Attitude

Question 5

What is the client activity level? Tics or stereotyped movements? How alert are they? What are their facial expressions?

Answer 5

Behavior

Question 6

What is the client’s prevailing mood? Does the client show range of affect? Is it appropriate to the content discussed?

Answer 6

Mood/Affect

Question 7

Is the client understandable? Are there any speech abnormalities? Is the client’s speech pressured?

Answer 7

Speech

Question 8

Is the thought process circumstantial (i.e. unnecessary/insignificant details)? Tangential (excessive/irrelevant details?
Is there evidence of flight of ideas (rapidly shifting thoughts)?

Answer 8

Thought Process

Question 9

Does the client exhibit delusions? Phobias? Obsessions? Is the client preoccupied? Suicidal thoughts? Thoughts of harming others?

Answer 9

Thought Content

Question 10

Is the client experiencing hallucinations or illusions?

Answer 10

Perceptions

Question 11

Is the client alert and oriented? Can they demonstrate attention and concentration? Memory in tact?

Answer 11

Cognition

Question 12

Does the client demonstrate understanding of his/her own symptoms or situation?

Answer 12

Insight

Question 13

Does the client demonstrate the ability to make sound, responsible decisions?

Answer 13

Judgement